This is the ultimate buyer's guide to finding the right network interface card to suit your needs. We review the 10 best network interface card on the market so you know that your next decision will be a smart one!
When you're trying to select the good network interface card, there are a lot of factors to consider. This page has everything you need to know in one place.
This guide will help you avoid the pitfalls that come with researching network interface card.
You don't have to try out every network interface card to find one that meets your needs. After extensive research and hours of in-person tests, we've found the best network interface card to be TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux. There are a lot of sub-par products out there, but this product is one of the highest quality you'll find. Next best option is TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Card (TG-3468), PCIE Network Adapter, Network Card, Ethernet Card for PC, Win10/11 supported.
Choosing the network interface card can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Here's what we recommend based on our extensive research. We've compiled a list of the highest rated network interface card. The following products are some of the best you can get right now.
When you're trying to select the good network interface card, there are a lot of factors to consider. This page has everything you need to know in one place.
This guide will help you avoid the pitfalls that come with researching network interface card.
You don't have to try out every network interface card to find one that meets your needs. After extensive research and hours of in-person tests, we've found the best network interface card to be TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux. There are a lot of sub-par products out there, but this product is one of the highest quality you'll find. Next best option is TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Card (TG-3468), PCIE Network Adapter, Network Card, Ethernet Card for PC, Win10/11 supported.
Choosing the network interface card can be a daunting task, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Here's what we recommend based on our extensive research. We've compiled a list of the highest rated network interface card. The following products are some of the best you can get right now.
List of Top 10 Network Interface Card
Review of Best Network Interface Card
1. TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux
- 2.5 Gbps PCIe Network Card: With the 2.5G Base-T Technology, TX201 delivers high-speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, which is 2.5x faster than typical Gigabit adapters, guaranteeing smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions
- Versatile Compatibility – The Ethernet Network Adapter is backwards compatible with multiple data rates(2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps Base-T connectivity). The 2.5G Ethernet port automatically negotiates between higher and lower speed connection.
- QoS: Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
- Wake on LAN – Remotely power on or off your computer with WOL, helps to manage your devices more easily
- Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets: In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
2. TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Card (TG-3468), PCIE Network Adapter, Network Card, Ethernet Card for PC, Win10/11 supported
- Ultra-Fast: 10/100/1000Mbps PCIe Adapter upgrade your Ethernet speed to Gigabit
- Automation: Wake-on-LAN supporting Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX
- Supports: IEEE802.3x Flow Control for Full-duplex Mode and backpressure for Half-duplex Mode; 4k Bytes Port: 1x 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Network Media
- Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP
- Dual Bracket: Low profile and standard profile bracket inside works with both mini and standard size PCs.
3. Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card 1000M PCI Express Ethernet Adapter with Intel 82575/82576 Two Ports LAN NIC Card for Support PXE for Windows/Windows Server/Linux/Freebsd/DOS with Low Profile
- Supports Windows 7/8/2000/XP/Vista/Windows Server 2003/2008/2012; Novell Netware 5.x/6.x; Linux; FreeBSD 7.x or later; DOS; SCO Open Server; UnixWare / OpenUnix 8; Sun Solaris x86; OS Independent Vmware ESX (Does not support VMware ESXi 7.0 or above)
- PCI Express 2.1. 2.5 GT/s x1 Lane. Compatible with x1, x2,x4, x8, x16 standard and low-profile PCI Express slots.
- Compatible with IPMI pass-through (SMBus or NC-SI), iSCSI boot, WoL, PXE remote boot, VLAN filtering
- Support Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Remote Network Monitoring (RMON).
- Imported alloy heat sink , can effectively remove excess heat , keep the network card at normal operating temperature and double stable operation
4. TP-Link WiFi 6 PCIe WiFi Card for Desktop PC AX3000 (Archer TX55E), Bluetooth 5.2, WPA3, 802.11ax Dual Band Wireless Adapter with MU-MIMO, Ultra-Low Latency, Supports Windows 11, 10 (64bit) Only
- 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐅𝐈 𝟔 - Reach incredible speeds up to 2.4 Gbps (2402 Mbps in 5 GHz or 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) with ultra-low latency and uninterrupted connectivity using Wi-Fi 6 technologies¹
- 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐂 - The networking card is equipped with OFDMA and MU-MIMO technology to reduce lag so you can enjoy ultra-responsive real-time gaming, or an immersive VR experience on even the busiest networks
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - 2 powerful signal-boost, high-gain antennas greatly inrease range for a smoother online gaming experience in further away distances
- 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝟓.𝟐 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - Equipped with the latest Bluetooth technology, Archer TX55E achieves 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage compared to Bluetooth 4.2 so you can connect your favorite devices such as game controllers, headphones, and keyboards for the ultimate setup.²
- 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐏𝐀𝟑 - Protector your network with the latest WPA3 security protocol so your information transmitted via the wireless adapter is secure from hackers³
5. Tenext Realtek Chipset 1 Gigabits Gbps PCIe PCI Express Ethernet Network Interface Card Adapter with Low Profile Bracket for Desktop PC/Mac(No Software)
- No Driver Needed for Windows 7/10/11, Mac OSX, and All Linux. BSD is NOT Supported.
- Comes with Both Standard and Low Profile Bracket.
- Ethernet Wired Network Card. NOT Wireless WiFi Network Card.
6. 10Gb NIC Dual RJ45 Port PCIe Network Card with Intel X540-AT2 Controller, 10G Ethernet Converged Network LAN Adapter, Support Windows/Linux/Vmware/ESX/Freebsd Server, Compare to Intel X540-T2
- Ultra-Fast Connectivity— This dual copper RJ45 ports support 100MbE to 10GbE, enabling a significant speed boost to 10Gb/s. The card is designed to fit both PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots, ensuring compatibility with a range of systems. Compare to Intel X540-T2.
- Reliable Performance— Features the genuine Intel X540-AT2 Ethernet controller to minimize packet loss and enhance server stability for dependable network operations
- Comprehensive System Support— Fully compatible with Windows 7/8/10; Windows Server 2008/2012/2016/2019; Centos/RHEL 6/7/8; Ubuntu 16/18/19/20; Debian 9/10/11; FreeBSD 10/11/12; Vmware Esxi 6/7; SLSE 11/12, to meet your diverse operating system needs in datacenter or home use.
- High-Performance Network Card— Supports Intel VT-c for enhanced virtualization, intelligent offloads, on-chip QoS and traffic management, flexible port partitioning, and VMDq for efficient multi-VM environments. PCI-SIG SR-IOV compatibility ensures robust 10GbE network connectivity.
- Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets— Low profile and standard profile bracket inside works with both standard and mini size computer case/server.
7. WAVLINK Gigabit Ethernet PCIE Network Card, 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 LAN Adapter for Desktop PC, Win10/11 supported
- ⭐1G High-Speed Transmission: This 1G network card ushers in a new era of network transmission speed, offering speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional 100Mbps rates. It provides an exceptional online experience, ensuring swift file transfers, seamless HD video streaming, and lag-free online gaming.
- ⭐PCIe to 1G RJ45: It accommodates various PCI Express slot configurations, such as x1, x4, x8, and x16, enabling seamless installation and interchangeability across different motherboards to meet diverse hardware layouts and needs. Note: Compatible with PCI-E slots only, not for PCI slots.
- ⭐Seamless OS Compatibility: Whether you're utilizing the newest Windows 11 or earlier editions such as Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, Vista or even Linux operating systems, this network card guarantees seamless compatibility. This eradicates worries about system compatibility and grants you the complete convenience of high-speed networking.
- ⭐Flexible Bracket Versatility: Engineered with low-profile and standard bracket, this 1G network card provides heightened flexibility for diverse computer arrangements. Irrespective of your computer's specifications, effortless installation is ensured, optimizing your hardware setup.
- ⭐Robust Metal Shielding: Minimizes electromagnetic interference, enhancing stability and reliability with every connection. (Tip: Please remove the plastic film from the PCI-e interface before connecting to the PC's PCI-e slot.) Excellent heat dissipation can reduce the temperature quickly and maintain the stability of network transmission.
8. TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card (TX401)-PCIe to 10 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter,Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, Including a CAT6A Cable
- 10 Gbps PCIe Network Card: With the latest 10GBase-T Technology, TX401 delivers extreme speeds of up to 10 Gbps, which is 10× faster than typical Gigabit adapters, guaranteeing smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions[1]
- Versatile Compatibility: With extreme speed and ultra-low latency, 10GBase-T is backwards compatible with multiple data rates (10 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps), automatically negotiating between higher and lower speed connections
- QoS: Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
- Free CAT6A Ethernet Cable: To maximize TX401's performance, a 1.5 m CAT6A Ethernet Cable is included—rated for up to 10 Gbps while a regular cable is only rated for 1 Gbps
- Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets: In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
9. 2.5GBase-T PCIe Network Adapter RTL8125B 2500/1000/100Mbps PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card RJ45 LAN Controller Support PXE for Windows/Linux/MAC with Low Profile
- Compatible for X1,X4,X8,X16，Comes with low profilce bracket
- Driver link was changed,pls freely download here. Driver link: https://www.realtek.com/Download/Index?cate_id=194&menu_id=368
- Support PXE function an Wake on LAN
- Support DSM,PVE,ikuai,unraid6.9.2, OpenWrt ESXI6.7 (Doesn’t support ESXI 7.0)
- Freely compatible, the network card can support multiple system: Windows ME/98SE/2000/XP, Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Vista / Sever 2003/2008 / 2012 /2016/ Linux / DOS/MAC OS
10. PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Server Adapter with Broadcom NetXtreme BCM5751 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Desktop PCI-E Network Card NIC
- Integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T Transceiver,Includes Half Height Bracket
- PCI-E v1.0a compliant,
- Automatic MDI Crossover Function
- Automatic Detection and Correction of Pair Swaps, Pair Skew and Pair Polarity
- Network Operating Systems (NOS) Software Support: Windows* 2000; Windows* Server 2003; Windows* Server 2008; Windows Professional XP* SP3; Windows Vista* SP1; Windows 7; Linux* RHEL 4.6; Linux* Kernel version 2.6.24; Linux* Kernel version 2.4.36.2; RHEL* 5.1; SLES* 9 SP4; SLES* 10 SP1; FreeBSD* 7.0; DOS*; DOSODI*; SCO OpenServer 6/Unixware* 7.1.x; Novell Netware* 6.5; Xen*; FreeBSD* 5.x or later; ESX* 3.x* support (for VMware).
Last update on 2025-07-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
